We've all seen the news about this crazy pastor who was threatening to burn the Koran. And we've all heard people talk about this from both sides of the fence. And all of this is in the midst of a huge controversy over putting a giant mosque near ground zero in Manhattan.
Now, more often than not, I lean center-right on nearly all issues. But, I have to say that on this one, I am dead center. I can honestly see the reason from both sides. Here's how I see both the ground zero issue and the crazy Koran burning nutjob.
First of all, the Koran burner. I would hope that 99 percent of American's know that this dude is loony tunes and disagree with his ridiculous decision to burn someone's most precious book. At the same time, he is not bringing harm to anyone by burning a book, so he has a constitutional right to make his point and do as he pleases. This BY NO MEANS means that anyone needs to support this endeavor. You can respect his right to do this but still publicly denounce the action and/or plead with him to reconsider. BUT, for all those out there who say that is un-American to allow him to do that, that's bull. It would be un-American to force him not to, as he is breaking no law by doing it. Again, that doesn't make the action morally or socially acceptable whatsoever. I just think it needs to be pointed out that he has a right to do as he wishes, but we have right to plead and disagree.
Second, the Mosque. These are such similar situations, I have virtually the same thoughts on it. The people who wish to build the Mosque have every right to do so. We should not strip them of their rights. HOWEVER, we should not ignore the pleading families of 9/11 victims living in Manhattan who feel strongly that this is a slap in the face. This one is, of course, harder to come to an agreement, but we must see both sides of the coin. While the islamic people have every right to build, they and the powers that be in this country need to respect the citizens who are calling out against this and hear their cries. Really, this should come down to whether or not the Mosque builders choose to listen to their fellow Americans. I think it would probably be wrong for the President or anyone else to interfere and not allow the Mosque to be built, but that doesn't mean it should be built.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
decisions, decisions, decisions...
So I have a pretty big decision to make. My current major is Music Education, which, if everything goes as planned (which is not a given), I should finish in December. However, recently, some opportunities have transpired that leave me wondering if student teaching in the fall is the right decision. I could have some great work/music opportunities opening up in the fall and I don't want to miss out on these. Of course, these opportunities would be closed to me if I student teach at that time. Hence the tough decision.
I can get my BA in Music instead of finishing the BM in Music Ed, which would allow me to graduate essentially at the end of the summer. Of course, part of me feels like this is ditching out of two years of work toward my MUSED degree. This has all created quite a predicament for me.
Another thing that adds to this confusion is that for the last two years, I haven't been really very happy because of a lack of involvement in something inspiring. In HS, I loved my youth group and leading the band there. It was inspiring every week, and fueled me to do that and other things. After HS, at Pierce College, being the Farwest Jazz was equally as inspiring. It was here that I became inspired to teach, because of the great one-on-one instruction that took place there all the time. Over the last couple years, though, I haven't been part of something that gives me that satisfaction. I'm pretty much burnt out from all the busy work all the time, and so even when I have a little time to do something besides school, I don't even want to.
All of these things combined have created quite a dilemma. On one side, I don't want to dismiss these opportunities that may open up in the fall. Though none of them are guaranteed, there is a good chance that one or more of them may play out. Furthermore, I can always apply as a post-bac after getting a BA and just finish the ED sequence, student teach, and get my public school certification. So, though it would set me back a quarter or two, getting my BA does not completely limit me in terms of being able to get a public school teaching gig. Still, I don't want to limit myself in being able to find work, nor do I want to throw away everything I've worked toward in the last two years.
It's Sunday and I have to make a decision by Tuesday, when the quarter starts. Oh dear, this should be fun. :/
I can get my BA in Music instead of finishing the BM in Music Ed, which would allow me to graduate essentially at the end of the summer. Of course, part of me feels like this is ditching out of two years of work toward my MUSED degree. This has all created quite a predicament for me.
Another thing that adds to this confusion is that for the last two years, I haven't been really very happy because of a lack of involvement in something inspiring. In HS, I loved my youth group and leading the band there. It was inspiring every week, and fueled me to do that and other things. After HS, at Pierce College, being the Farwest Jazz was equally as inspiring. It was here that I became inspired to teach, because of the great one-on-one instruction that took place there all the time. Over the last couple years, though, I haven't been part of something that gives me that satisfaction. I'm pretty much burnt out from all the busy work all the time, and so even when I have a little time to do something besides school, I don't even want to.
All of these things combined have created quite a dilemma. On one side, I don't want to dismiss these opportunities that may open up in the fall. Though none of them are guaranteed, there is a good chance that one or more of them may play out. Furthermore, I can always apply as a post-bac after getting a BA and just finish the ED sequence, student teach, and get my public school certification. So, though it would set me back a quarter or two, getting my BA does not completely limit me in terms of being able to get a public school teaching gig. Still, I don't want to limit myself in being able to find work, nor do I want to throw away everything I've worked toward in the last two years.
It's Sunday and I have to make a decision by Tuesday, when the quarter starts. Oh dear, this should be fun. :/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Spring break...finally
Alright, finally done with my last final and officially on Spring break. Remind me to never take an online psychology class again....
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog! I haven't blogged in some time, but I'm looking forward to getting back into it. Let me introduce myself.
I sing in the professional group Groove For Thought (www.grooveforthought.com). I am also a college student at Central Washington University, where I am getting my degree in Music Education. Other than GFT and school, I do some arranging and recording. I also lead worship at a church. I love all sorts of music and spend most days doing music in some form. I am looking forward to student teaching in the Fall, finishing school, and starting to teach!
I sing in the professional group Groove For Thought (www.grooveforthought.com). I am also a college student at Central Washington University, where I am getting my degree in Music Education. Other than GFT and school, I do some arranging and recording. I also lead worship at a church. I love all sorts of music and spend most days doing music in some form. I am looking forward to student teaching in the Fall, finishing school, and starting to teach!
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